ellenor hospice to benefit from mum's skydive for daughter with leukaemia

A loving mother is jumping out of a plane to raise money after her daughter was diagnosed with leukemia.

Sian Williams was in "complete shock" when she found out daughter Lily, six, had the illness in January.

The St John's Catholic school pupil is currently being treated by Royal Marsen Sutton hospital and Medway Maritime, with the hope of ending treatment by April 2021.

Sian Williams is skydiving to raise money for the charity ellenor which helped her daughter Lily

Sian is taking to the sky to help raise money for Northfleet-based ellenor, a hospice that helps care for terminally ill people and their families, as they help to care for Lily when she’s not in hospital.

The mother-of-two said: “I have chosen to do the sky dive as a simple thank you just doesn’t justify the hard work, care and support we have received.

“Lily is very caring and thoughtful, she loves playing princesses and swimming and is a great big sister to Sophia.”

The family first noticed a change in Lily over the Christmas period when she mentioned she was tired.

They took her to get some blood tests done and in the same week she was admitted to Royal Marsden hospital.

“The whole family was in disbelief but has supported Lily throughout,” Sian said.

Lily was diagnosed with Leukemia in January

Keen gymnast Lily, who had been attending classes for more than a year, was forced to stop at Christmas, as well as giving up swimming.

Fish and Chip shop worker Sian, who is completing the sky dive with her brother-in-law on Sunday May 12, is excited for the jump.

The 35-year-old said: “I can honestly say it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and can’t think of a better reason to do it, I’m very excited.

“I’m hoping Lily will be there, but it depends on if she’s well enough.

"She’s just come out of a two week stay at Medway hospital and her next appointment isn’t until May 15, so fingers crossed she will just be having chemotherapy at home.”

So far Sian has raised more than £1,800, tripling her target of £500.

Lily in hospital with her mother Sian Williams

Sian added: “Lily’s treatment will last until 2021 if things go well.

"She goes to school at the Royal Marsden hospital because she hasn’t be able to return to school at St John's.

“She can't go into the school if there are chicken pox or anything similar as this is very dangerous for her.

“Lily occasionally sees some of her friends, but only if they are well - it makes her really happy.

“She’s been so very, very brave and gets on with what needs to be done in order to make her better - she’s our super hero.

“At such a young age Lily has had to cope with something not even an adult should have to.

“Even when she lost her hair she bought herself her first bandana, which was a bright pink one - her favourite colour.